BMW 1 Series (F40)

The BMW 1 Series (F40) is the third generation of the BMW 1 Series range of subcompact executive hatchback cars. Unlike the previous generation F20 1 Series, the F40 1 Series uses a front-wheel drive configuration and is only available as a 5-door hatchback.

Overview
The F40 1 Series premiered at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show and launched on 28 September 2019. Built on the UKL2 platform, it shares the same front hood, fender panel, dashboard, and suspension as the 2 Series Gran Coupé.

Compared to its predecessor, the F40 1 Series is 5 mm shorter, 34 mm wider, and 13 mm taller. Despite the decreases in length, due to the tighter packaging of the front-wheel drive engine front legroom has increased by 42 mm, rear legroom has increased by 33 mm, and rear headroom has increased by 19 mm. The boot capacity has also increased by 20 litres to 380 litres with the seats raised, and 1200 litres with the seats folded. The F40 1 Series is also 30 kg lighter due to increased use of aluminium.

Petrol engines have a gasoline particulate filter, while diesel engines feature a diesel particulate filter and AdBlue selective catalytic reduction. All engines meet the Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standard.

118i, 116d, and 118d models come with 6-speed manual transmissions as standard. 118i and 116d models can be specified with a 7-speed Getrag 7DCT300 dual-clutch transmission, while an 8-speed Aisin automatic transmission is available for M135i xDrive, 128ti, 118d, and 120d xDrive models.

Equipment
The F40 1 Series is available in Advantage, Luxury, Sport, and M Sport trim. Sport and Luxury models feature an M Sport Steering wheel, while M Sport models feature sport seats and M exterior styling. European models feature collision detection and lane departure warning with intervention as standard.

The F40 1 Series is available with iDrive 7.0 with two 10.25-inch displays. iDrive 7.0 features the voice-controlled BMW digital assistant which can control in-car functions and can be activated by saying "Hey BMW". A digital key also enables the vehicle to be unlocked using near-field communication by holding a smartphone near the door handle and the engine can be started by placing the smartphone in the wireless charging tray. The digital key can also be shared with up to five other smartphones.

Other options include gesture control, a windshield reflected head-up display, automatic parking, a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

M135i xDrive models feature a limited slip differential, larger M Sport brakes, a strut bar, and a larger 100 mm diameter exhaust.

116-120 models with M Sport and 128-M135 models can be fitted with M Performance Parts. These include canards, a spoiler, a splitter, side skirts and rims. 116-120 models without M Sport can still be equipped with the M Performance rims and spoiler. However, to install the rest, they need to be converted to M Sport with the M Sport bumpers and trims. The M135i grille can be fitted to all F40 1er models.

Updates
In October 2021 BMW revealed an updated M135i. It comes with retuned springs, dampers and trailing arm and control arm mounts. A hydromount was also added to attach the front wishbones and the camber has been increased for more grip. The artificial interior engine sound was loudened as well.

Safety
The 2019 1 Series scored five stars overall in its Euro NCAP test.